Family Newsletter | May 29, 2026
Dr. Jennifer O'Neill
joneill@norton.k12.ma.us
@joneill727
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Superintendent’s Message - Celebrating the Class of 2026
I continue to be incredibly proud of the Norton High School Class of 2026 and the positive impact they have had on our school community. As part of the annual Senior Service Day, nearly 180 seniors, alongside faculty and staff, spent the day giving back through service projects across Norton.
Students volunteered at 11 locations throughout town, helping to clean trails, plant flowers, prepare parks for the summer season, and support a variety of local organizations, including the Cupboard of Kindness, the Norton Senior & Community Center, the Conservation Commission, and the VFW. Their hard work, enthusiasm, and commitment to serving others were on full display.
Senior Service Day is a wonderful tradition that reflects the character, leadership, and community spirit of our students. Thank you to our local partners for providing these meaningful opportunities and to the Class of 2026 for leaving a lasting legacy of service in Norton.
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Thank You for Supporting the NMS Roof Project
Thank you to the Norton community for your support of the Norton Middle School roof project at the Annual Town Meeting on May 18. This approval, combined with the successful ballot vote earlier this spring, allows the project to move forward in partnership with the Massachusetts School Building Authority (MSBA), which will reimburse approximately 55% of eligible project costs.
We are grateful to everyone who took the time to learn about the project, ask thoughtful questions, and participate in the process. This investment will help protect our school facility for years to come and ensure that Norton Middle School remains a safe, dry, and welcoming learning environment for students and staff.
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Respecting Our Schools and Community Spaces
As the weather gets warmer, it is wonderful to see so many students and families enjoying our school grounds, fields, courts, and playgrounds outside of the school day. These spaces are here to support recreation, physical activity, and community connection, and we love seeing them used for their intended purposes.
With that privilege comes a shared responsibility to care for these facilities. Following the early release day on May 20, a significant amount of trash was left behind at the multipurpose field. We ask everyone who uses our grounds to help keep them clean by disposing of trash properly and leaving the area as they found it.
Additionally, we recently made the decision to lock the tennis courts outside of scheduled school and community use because students have been riding bicycles on the court surfaces, causing damage. These courts are a valuable community resource, and repairs can be costly.
We appreciate the partnership of our students, families, and community members in helping us maintain safe, clean, and welcoming spaces for everyone. Respect for our schools, our facilities, and one another is an important part of being a strong community.
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Curriculum Corner- Norton High School Math
At its May 18 meeting, the School Committee approved the adoption of a new high school mathematics curriculum, Amplify Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, beginning in the 2026-2027 school year.
This recommendation was the result of a thorough review process led by our curriculum team of educators and led by Assistant Superintendent for Teaching & Learning, Dr. Ackerman. The team evaluated multiple programs, visited other districts, and conducted two field tests with students and staff before reaching a final recommendation. Throughout the process, teachers carefully examined curriculum quality, student engagement, instructional supports, and alignment with state standards.
The approved five-year implementation plan includes curriculum materials, professional development, and ongoing support for teachers. Funding will be supported through a combination of grant funding and School Choice funds. We are grateful to the many educators and leaders who dedicated their time and expertise to this work and look forward to providing students with high-quality instructional materials that support strong mathematical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills.
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June 3rd
School Committee Meeting
June 9th
Class of 2026 Graduation
June 17th
Last Day Little Lancers
June 18th
Last Day Kindergarten
Early Release Norton High School (Exams)
June 19th
Schools Closed
June 22nd
Early Release Norton High School (Exams)
June 23rd
Early Release Districtwide
Last Day Grades 1-12+
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Virtual Backpack
Explore here to find e-flyers on events, offerings and more in our community.
To submit a flyer to the Virtual Backpack, please contact Pam Anderson at pamelaanderson@norton.k12.ma.us.
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